The driver, who was on a security watchlist, died in the incident. Police found an assault rifle, handguns and gas bottles in the car.

Part of Avenue des Champs-Élysées is blocked off as the investigation continues. (Reuters)

Nobody else was injured and the situation is now under control. It was not immediately clear if the ramming was accidental but police and investigators said it was probably intentional. Heavily armed officers blocked off a section of the popular avenue. On Twitter, the police warned the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.